For me, cocktails are one of the ways I treat myself to life’s little joys. Cocktails just give an evening a little extra va-va-voom. They’re an excuse to maybe get a little dressed up, take some fun pictures, and imagine you’re in a 1920’s speakeasy.
When I dropped out of gradschool and left my dream of a life in New York City behind, I felt like I had to abandon the sparkling life I thought I could have had. Now, I remind myself that life is what you make of it no matter how it changes, and I do this by making as many days sparkle as I can. A little palate-pleasing something in a gorgeous glass just makes the world feel a little more splendid – and that’s not just the booze talking.
They’re not only fun to drink they make great conversation starters and help you learn more about the people you’re sharing them with. With a cocktail in your hand, there’s always something to toast.
Though I usually try something new every time I go somewhere – or even from round to round – I do have a few favorites that keep pulling me back. Though I’m trying to branch out, gin is my go to. I know this makes a lot of people cringe, but to me, it’s the perfect liquor.
Tinder Date – Perch
I stumbled into Perch with a coworker. A vendor was coming to town and we love to take guests on hops of different neighborhood eateries and dives- and it doesn’t hurt when they’re buying. One of the stops on our most recent hop was this new-ish swanky restaurant in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition. Somehow, we stumbled into getting the whole chef’s table shebang – more on that in a future post.
When I saw “The Tinder Date” on the menu, I knew, just from the name that I HAD to get it. How bold. How brash. What was ordering this drink saying about me? Something just a little risque? The most jaw-dropping thing about this drink was the cocktail umbrella. It was torched. Literally. Talk about garnish.
As someone whose dating life is a bit like the Titanic – nothing but failed first attempts – this drink was more than apt. I’ve meet more than my fair share of men on the infamous dating app and ordering anything else was absolutely out of the question. So, here’s a toast to meeting someone and finding out they took their profile picture five years ago when they still had hair.
Classic and refreshing, this spin on a gin and tonic brightens the palate with lemon and grapefruit and follows it with the subtle sweetness of dates and an absinthe finish. The funniest part about this experience was I ordered it during a work function with some ladies from HGTV. I must say, it made a great ice breaker.
Forest Hill Fizz – 23rd & Main
It’s a shame it took me as long as I did to visit 23rd and Main. A buddy of mine I’ve known since he lived across the hall from me my freshman year of college came to town. D is an old soul who always has a fresh and honest take on life and it’s joys and sorrows. He always reminds me to take a deep breath and to take life a little less seriously. If you’re reading this, D. thanks for being there.
Anyhoo, the slightly underground vibe of this restaurant and the name inspired by Richmond’s Forrest Hill has this drink feeling like that gossamer emotion that is a bit of hope and a bit of sadness that comes when you walk through a neighborhood you’re too poor to afford. But when has being too poor to afford something ever stopped a bunch of young people from making the most of a moment?
Another gin and tonic twist – because it is me after all. This bevvie was refreshing with bombay sapphire, fresh lemon, and effervescent club soda. Plus, served with a sprig of rosemary, it had a lovely, fragrant nose. Clean and crisp, a must-try from this Richmond mainstay.
Corpse Reviver #2 – MIX
As I mentioned before, my life is full of tres terrible Tinder dates. So, when it comes to this cocktail, I think I’ll skip the story and move right to the liquor.
The West End is far from my typical stomping grounds, but stumbling across this slightly secret dive was an awesome experience and worth the hike. By the folks behind Hutch (West End) and Toast (Libbie Mill), music dominates the theme of this cocktail bar. The menus were served on the backs of album covers. (I think I ordered from Nirvana’s Nevermind.) It also had a low-lit and sophisticated feel that brought it’s classiness up a few notches.
This was the first time I had had lillet blanc. (Didn’t know what that was? Neither did I. Here’s a fun article by Food & Wine.) This aperitif wine and the fresh twirly whirly lemon zest made a wonderfully tart cocktail.
So, if you’re looking to add a little glint to your glass and make a night a little more special. Just get out there for a cocktail. Invite an acquaintance who may become a friend, get coworkers together, or reach out to your crush. Or simply go enjoy an evening on your own. Get out there and sparkle.
Pink & Petrichor 